Step-by-Step Guide To Obtain Your NYC Press Card Credentials
Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Erin Donahue
I am fully entering my photojournalist era. For the past few years, I was under the impression that to obtain an NYC Press Card Credential, my work needed to be published by a formal publication. Although I engage in concert photography for a publication, those events are considered private. As it turns out, the criteria for defining ‘media’ coverage is quite expansive! This is likely a result of the continuously evolving definition of what qualifies as media. The press is no longer confined to traditional outlets like magazines, newspapers, and TV; the advent of social media has significantly altered the landscape, democratizing individuals’ ability to reach audiences beyond some institutional limitations.
Members of the Press
The Press Credentials Office accepts applications from freelancers, independents, and full-time employees of news-gathering organizations. A press card allows members of the press to access parts of events that the general public can’t, like crossing police and fire lines. These include:
- Emergency, spot, breaking news events, or public events of a non-emergency nature where police or fire lines, or other restrictions, limitations, or barriers established by NYC have been set up for security or crowd control purposes.
- Events sponsored by New York City, such as parades.
Being a professional photographer and full-time content creator based in New York City, I consistently center my efforts on the Big Apple. Public events I was already sharing about on my own include Fourth of July and Thanksgiving Day Parade. It only seemed logical to acquire a press card to facilitate access. Independent freelancers, such as myself, are eligible to apply, as long as the coverage is publicly posted on my accounts. Remarkably, my application received approval in a day, even over a major holiday weekend (New Year).
Press Card Application
There are three types of applications, Single Event, Standard, and Reserve Press Card, but I’m only going over the Standard Press Card application since that’s what I submitted for. There are full tutorials for the other two applications on the PCO website.
To be eligible, six or more articles, commentaries, books, photographs, videos, films, or audios must be published, broadcasted, or cablecast within the 24 months preceding the application. The event coverage must occur on separate days, in one of the five boroughs, and be covered in person.
- Create an account via the NYC Press Credentials Portal
- Select Account Type: Individual or Newsgathering Organization
- Answer required questions
- Submit 6 pieces of media coverage
- Provide relevant links and include media files to corroborate. I simply downloaded my Instagram Reels and TikToks to upload.
- Schedule an in-person appointment once approved
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to appointment
- Receive your Press Card!
To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media and read up on what camera gear I use for photography.